Quebec - Sainte Flavie

Quebec City to Sainte Flavie Travel Distance: 342 km
Sainte Patrick Apartment Motel accommodations: $99.00 for 1 night

We were up fairly early today and got a good start to Sainte Flavie. Before we left we headed over to the bakery and coffee shop for some morning supplies. Coffee's in hand, car load, we set off for Sainte Flavie.

Sainte Flavie is a small town of 900, situated on the beginning trail of the Gaspesie Peninsula. The Gaspésie is a world must-see

destination to visit at least one in a lifetime. Its picturesque road circuit is renowned as a wonder in North America, and Chaleur Bay stands out amongst one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

On the way to Sainte Flavie we stopped at the historical maritime museum Pointe-au-Père, located in Rimouski, Quebec. Not only does it display 200 years of maritime history, but it also includes the first submarine open since 2009 to the public in Canada, HMCS Onondaga. Our annual Canada Park Pass included our tour of the Lighthouse and its related exhibits. It was $16.00/pp for the submarine tour.

The Pointe-au-Père Lighthouse played a central role in the history of navigation on the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1909, the lighthouse is the second tallest in Canada and one of the few to still have its

prism. The guided tour will takes you to the top, where you can admire the fantastic view.

The lightkeeper’s house is a new travelling exhibit that brings the lighthouses of the St. Lawrence into the limelight. In the foghorn shed you can discover aural aids to navigation, which replaced the light from the lighthouse when weather conditions made it impossible for mariners to see.

In 2008, the retired Canadian Forces Oberon-class submarine HMCS Onondaga was towed from Halifax, Nova Scotia to the museum. The public can board the actual submarine and participate in an audio-guided tour that helps to explain the components of the submarine and the life of a naval member. What a fascinating tour. It isn't every day that you can board an actual submarine.

After spending some time at the museum we packed up and continued on in our journey to Sainte Flavie. We are staying at great little Motel in the quaint little town. Most of the rooms are converted "cabins" and well equipped. The best part is it is right on the beach. Even thought Sainte Flavie is on the the St. Lawrence River, the river is so wide you need to squint to see the other side. It is like being on the ocean, right down to the shells on the beach and washed up seaweed.

Once we got settled in we took a walk down the beach and enjoyed the sound of the waves lapping up on the shore. Roxy had a great time running back and forth along the waterline. The smelly seaweed is a dogs delight.

Sainte Flavie is known for its artist and artistic community. We had lunch at the local restaurant that features one of the well known artists in the area - Centre d'Art Marcel Gagnon. He is known for his sculptures in the ocean and beach - Le Grand Rassemblant.

Before settling in for the night we dropped in to get something light for dinner at the local grocery store. The motel is located in such a great place that I wish we could have stayed for a few days. However, I know that we are also staying right on the beach in Shediac Bridge and then have 4 days in Charlottetown before moving on again. I think we are all ready to have a home base again for a few days.

Tomorrow we are headed to Bathurst as a half way point to Shediac.